Fulham are the latest English side interesting in signing Russian World Cup star Ilya Kutepov, according to reports from his homeland.

The Spartak Moscow defender has starred during Russia’s run to the quarter finals of the tournament – starting all four games and producing an excellent display as the hosts knocked Spain out on penalties in the second round. Kutepov’s performances have interested a number of clubs right across Europe including Fiorentina, RB Leipzig and West Ham.

Russian sports website Championat claims that Fulham are the latest club to register their interest in signing the 24 year-old centre half. Kutepov has spent eight years with Spartak Moscow helping them win the Russian title in 2017. The commanding centre back has made 64 appearances for the capital-based club, scoring two goals, and has experience of playing in both the Champions League and the Europa League. Reports from Russia suggest that Spartak would not be averse to striking a deal for one of their World Cup stars – but that they would be looking for a fee of around £10m.

Fulham have been linked with a host of defenders as Slavisa Jokanovic seeks to add experience and pedigree to his squad as they prepare for their return to the Premier League next month. The Whites have been rumoured to hold an interest in Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata and the AC Milan defender Mateo Musacchio in recent days and would face stiff competition in the race to sign Kutepov. Fulham will be wary of signing an unheralded defender off the back of a major tournament, however, given their disappointment following the purchase of Icelandic defender Ragnar Sigurdsson, who endured an underwhelming spell at Craven Cottage after shining for his country at Euro 2016.